A deficit limit of 3% is a recipe for austerity in an independent Scotland

Turning to the proposed Article Eight, I strongly believe this whole article to be flawed. It cannot be appropriate to set in constitutional concrete rules regarding how tax revenues should be raised or to set down fiscal rules such as a 3% deficit. These are issues for flexible management of the economy and any government, of whatever hue is chosen by the Scottish people to govern on their behalf, needs to have at its disposal all the possible tools for economic management. Managing an adaptive and dynamic economy requires nimble and wise government, and tying its hands in this way by a constitution is a recipe for disaster.

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Let’s be clear here – government deficits are a good thing. When the government runs a deficit the rest of the economy will be running a surplus – this is where all our savings come from, and it is how economic growth and wealth is created. Limiting fiscal deficits to 3% is not only an arbitrary target, it is a recipe for austerity in an independent Scotland.

We absolutely need a democratic constitution but let’s make sure it permits full accountability of government and all public institutions without limiting the ability of these institutions to do what is necessary for the benefit of the prosperity and well being of our people.

Jim Osborne
Convenor of the Scottish Banking & Finance Group

ON reading the Constitution for Scotland article, they have forgotten that the people of Scotland are SOVEREIGN. The people would have to be consulted, in a referendum, before any major or controversial bill is passed.

William Purves
Galashiels

B McKENNA (Letters, March 13) is wrong in his assertions with regards boxing. Firstly I used to coach boys in boxing and the object is neither to cause damage or bleeding around the eyes or mouth, nor to totally incapacitate them by knocking them out. Boxing is a points based sport, and points are awarded for both attack and defence. There has been many a bout won by a good defensive boxer and some have made their opponents look very clumsy. The trainer and referee are also charged with making sure that boxers don’t come to any harm and should stop a bout if they are in anyway concerned. This is in both the amateur and professional codes.

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Prior to any bout taking place, a boxer must present his medical record card and be examined by a qualified doctor. The doctor also has to be in attendance during the bout at ringside in case he or she is called upon. Any knockouts or relevant injuries must be recorded on the record card along with what action is to be taken. In the case of a head injury or knockout, the boxer is suspended from boxing for four weeks (minimum). A second such head injury or knockout within a 12-month period and the boxer is suspended from boxing for 12 months, and could be banned from boxing altogether. During this suspension period they are not to do any training or sparring, and they are not allowed to take part in any sport which could involve a subsequent blow to the head. Certain sports are named such as rugby, horse riding, diving and football.

It is only over the last decade or so that other sports, notably rugby, have taken on board the dangers involved with head concussion and are looking at the cumulative effect on the athletes and participants. Both codes in boxing have been doing this for years and are always striving to improve the care of participants in which they know is a dangerous sport. Both codes are always willing to discuss any new information and to take action where it is needed. On the other hand, we have seen many a football player concussed and having to play on, or with blood running down his face. Some have been knocked out, and have then played another match a couple of days later. Some schoolboys are also playing for their school, the Scouts, and a youth team and are encouraged to head the ball. The obvious question is why is it called football when they are being asked to head the ball?

Alexander Potts
Kilmarnock

REGARDING Douglas Morton’s letter “Colourful suggestions did not go down well” (March 12), I have sometimes wondered: what would supporters of both clubs do if Celtic and Rangers were to play a benefit match for the Nil By Mouth campaign and each team play in the other’s colours? Celtic in the blue of Rangers and Rangers in the hoops of Celtic. Which team would the supporters follow? The team playing in their teams colours or the players themselves? Might be worth a try.

Brian Durkin
Livingston